While traveling, where you lay your head in the night can eat up a big chunk of the budget. But don’t worry, there’s plenty of ways to find secure, affordable and cozy places to stay.
Traveling with kids doesn’t always mean taking the cheapest option We want to get the most price for our money. We’re not so keen on roughing it as we used have been, however we still would like to save money.
Where and how you choose to stay will depend on several factors, including:
- Your budget
- Your destination
- Your travel style and level of comfort
- Your size crew
- Your interests are important to you
Just remember that getting an offer of 15% off a room you don’t really like isn’t the same than paying full price for a hotel you want. So, our goal is to make it easier for you to save money on lodging and to get an accommodation that you are happy with.
As as a family, we’ve changed the way we travel throughout the years. For longer trips, we prefer apartments as they come with bedrooms that are separate from the kitchen, as well as laundry facilities. Plus, we can split the cost of our trip with our friends or families. However, for shorter stays, we’re more than happy to stay in hostels or hotels that are family-friendly.
If you’re planning to take an extended journey around the world, try spending more time in places where you can save more and lower your standards in more costly countries.
Here are 18 tips for scoring great lodging deals:
Location, location, location!
It doesn’t make sense to choose a hotel that is cheap located far from everything , and you’ll need to shell out more money for transportation. Find hotels in central areas near airports, public transportation and other things to do like restaurants, the beach and parks.
Stay for more than one night
Many places offer better deals if you stay for more than two nights. There are times when you can stay four nights and only pay for three.
Go to in the Hotel on Sunday
Hotels are less crowded on Sundays, so you may be able to score a good deal. If you decide to stay on Sunday, you’ll avoid the check-in and check-out crowds on Fridays and Mondays.
The weekdays are the best days to be a part of your life.
In certain cities, such as Las Vegas, hotels are less expensive during the week than on weekends. So, stay away from tourist crowds, and also save cash by traveling midweek.
The off-season is the most enjoyable season
It’s no surprise that hotels tend to be more expensive during the off-season. If you can travel during shoulder seasons (between high and low) it is possible to reduce costs, avoid crowds and still have decent conditions.
Compare the prices of different booking websites
Do not book on the first site you discover. Compare rates across multiple sites to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.
Sign up for loyalty programs
A lot of resorts and hotels offer loyalty programs in which you can earn points and discounts on your next stay.
Pre-book or book last-minute
Sometimes, booking early can get you a better deal or, in other instances, waiting until the last minute may score you a discounted rate.
Do not be afraid to bargain
When booking directly with a hotel or vacation rental, don’t feel afraid to ask for more value or amenities. There’s no way to know if they might even say yes!
Look for vacation rental deals
Rentals for vacation, such as apartments or houses, are ideal for families or groups. They can be less expensive than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Make use of credit card rewards
If you have a credit card with travel rewards, utilize them to pay for lodging and save even more money.
Check for hidden fees
Hotels or booking sites might charge additional fees for things like cleaning or resort fees, so be sure to be aware of the fine print before making your booking.
Look for promotions or discounts
Many vacation and hotel accommodations offer discounts or promotions for military personnel, students, and AAA members.
Check for hidden gems
Sometimes, the best bargains can be found at smaller, independent hotels or vacation rentals that aren’t as popular.
Make sure you find pet-friendly accommodations
If you’re planning to travel with your pet consider looking for accommodations that are pet-friendly. These establishments may offer discounts or special offers for pet owners.
Utilize social media
A lot of hotels and vacation rental properties offer special discounts or deals that they advertise through social media. Make sure you follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Consider a home-sitting arrangement or house-swapping
Housesitting, also known as home swapping, is when you exchange houses with another person, allowing you to reside in their house while they reside in yours. This is a fantastic way to save money on accommodation while still having your own space.
You might want to consider renting a campervan, or an RV
If you’re traveling with your family or group, renting a campervan or RV is the best method to save money on accommodation. Plus, you’ll be able to explore different places and also have your own transportation all in one!
Use a travel agent
Travel agents are often able to access discounts and offers which aren’t accessible to the general people. Plus, they can perform the research and comparison shopping for you.
Book a package deal
A flight, hotel, and rental vehicle together in a bundle deal can occasionally save cash on each component.
Search for hostels
Hostels can be a cost-effective choice for solo travellers or groups. And with the rise of boutique hostels there are often comfortable, clean, and safe options.
Try home-sharing platforms
Home-sharing services like Airbnb and Vrbo provide more affordable and unique accommodation options, for example, staying in a room in a home owned by a local or renting a house for a large group.
In addition, here are some helpful tips to find cheap luggage:
Shop at discount retailers
Discount stores like T.J. Maxx, Ross and Marshalls usually have a range of luggage at discounted prices. Be sure to check these stores out before you buy from a department store.
Check out sales that are off-season
Similar to accommodation You can usually get great deals on luggage in the sale season’s off or at the end of the season. This is especially true for the stores that sell travel and outdoor gear.
Buy refurbished or used
You should consider purchasing used or used luggage. It’s a great option to save money on the top brands, and you could find gently used luggage that is in excellent condition. Websites like Amazon and Ebay are good choices, as are as well as local classifieds and garage sales.
In the end, finding affordable accommodations and cheap luggage does not necessarily mean that you have to sacrifice the comfort or security. If you do a little research and imagination, you can find a great location to stay within your budget, and also get amazing bargains on luggage for your next journey. By comparison shopping by signing up to loyalty programs, booking in advance or last-minute and taking advantage of specials and discounts, and looking at alternative options such as holiday rentals and home-sharing platforms You can increase your spending and enjoy your trip to the highest degree.